Versatile inhalation anesthesia platform for small animal surgery

ABSTRACT

A small animal bed for use with small animal subjects for sedatation during experimental procedures. In some embodiments, the bed uses flow of heated air through the bed to keep the small animal warm during the imaging process. The imaging bed can also incorporate an integrated anesthesia delivery system and exhaust to remove the unused anesthesia from the small animal bed. Various embodiments include a table platform, as well as a nose cone adapter for fitting multiple subjects simultaneously.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/261,090, filed Nov. 30, 2106, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

n/a

BACKGROUND Field

This present disclosure generally relates to an animal platform for anesthesia delivery.

Description of Related Art

Anesthesia delivery systems are used to sedate small animals during surgical or in vivo imaging procedures. The ability to sedate small animals for the purpose of experimental manipulation is important aspect of biological research as they serve as model organisms to study human diseases or test drug and vaccine efficacy. In-vivo imaging is a rapidly emerging scientific field of particular importance to pre-clinical researchers. Implicated for applications in infectious disease progression and monitoring, therapeutic efficacy, and tumor metastasis and migration; in-vivo imaging provides scientists with an important tool for noninvasive experimentation in small animal models. However, several challenges accompany experimentation requiring the use of small mammals during in vivo imaging and surgical procedures.

In-vivo imaging typically requires that the subject remains motionless during the scanning process, which can take up to an hour or more, depending upon the number and type of images collected. To this effect, small animal subjects are exposed to anesthetics before conducting experimental procedures, either by injection or through gaseous inhalation. Unfortunately, injected anesthetics vary in depth over time, often resulting in either incomplete sedation or accidental overdose. Anesthesia gas can be used to provide a constant, safe depth of anesthesia to the subject. However, delivery of the anesthetic gas while the subject is within the imaging system poses its own unique set of challenges.

Delivery of anesthesia to small animals poses its own series of challenges. Small animals have a high metabolic rate, which often results in a fast rate of clearance of anesthesia. Furthermore, their small size puts small animals at a high risk of hypothermia. Inadequate delivery of anesthetic agents has also been shown to influence physiological parameters, further interfering with experimental results. Imaging studies often require several hours to complete, as such, delivery mechanism of anesthesia must be adapted to imaging techniques and length of procedure. Unfortunately, many animal imaging system modalities do not support processing of more than one animal subject, while providing safe delivery of anesthesia. Additionally, current anesthesia delivery technology does not provide the versatility to adapt to the many imaging modalities utilized in the laboratory, such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computerized Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) optical imaging systems, to name a few. Small animal surgery and imaging experiments are often arduous, requiring many hours to process single animal that is being subjected to long periods of sedation. Accordingly, there is a need for an anesthesia delivery system would allow for efficient anesthesia and heat delivery to multiple animal subjects.

SUMMARY

The following disclosure presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to either identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The anesthesia delivery system bed comprises: a platform featuring a planar surface on which a small mammal is positioned for imaging or surgical procedures. The system features a nose cone apparatus that rests on the platform that functions to deliver anesthesia during procedure. The air vent system is disposed into the base of the platform and features a myriad of vented openings serving to disperse air a long length of the platform. The anesthesia delivery system has four ports, one for port receiving a heating source, a port that receiving a vacuum source, a port that receives an anesthesia source, and a vacuum valve. The planar table platform has a nose cone apparatus for delivering anesthesia, enabling the anesthesia delivery system to deliver anesthesia to up to four animals concurrently.

The anesthesia delivery system has a platform that is substantially rectangular in shape. The planar platform has a top and bottom surface, the top and bottom surface shape being defined by a first and second edge. The first and second edge are parallel, with the first and second edge being of equal lengths. The top and bottom surface shape is further defined by a third and fourth edge, the third and fourth edge being perpendicular to the first and second edge, wherein the third and fourth edge being shorter than the first and second edge. The planar platform can be made from plastics, such as with poly-methyl methacrylate. The platform features a plurality of cleats in spaced relationship disposed along the first and second edge.

It should be appreciated that the anesthesia delivery system platform can be made of a transparent material or made of plastic, the plastic being made of polyamides, polypropylene, polyethylene, or acrylics. The platform of the anesthesia delivery system made from transparent material is poly-methyl methacrylate.

The platform can have a plurality of cleats in spaced relationship disposed along the first and second edge of the platform to provide a mechanism to tether small animal subjects. The nose cone apparatus accommodates at least one small mammal. The nose cone apparatus can be configured to accommodate two or four animals. The air vent system has a plurality of vented openings along length of the first and second edge of the platform. The platform has a hollow base facilitating dispersal of heat. The ports of the anesthesia delivery system are integrated at the shorter end of the platform. The ports receive a quick connect connector. A first port receives heated air source. A second port receives a source of inhalation anesthesia, delivered to the nose cone apparatus by integrated channels along the platform and nose cone apparatus. A third port receives a quick connect connector supplying the vacuum. A fourth port receives a quick connect connector serving as a valve to release vacuum pressure.

The table platform shape is defined by a first and second edge, the first and second edge being parallel. The first and second edge are of equal length. The table platform has a top and bottom, opposing surfaces whose shape is further defined by a third and fourth edge. The third and fourth edge are perpendicular to the first and second edge and shorter than the first and second edge in length. The table platform has at least two legs with one leg at each corner of the second face. The table platform has a peg in the center of the first edge. The peg of the table platform removable engages the nose cone apparatus. The nose cone apparatus has having a hallow. The hallow receiving the peg of the table platform apparatus. The anesthesia delivery system also includes a lid that is removably attached from the platform. The anesthesia delivery system platform has a groove for receiving the lid. The groove features a rubber lining for engaging with the lid as to form a sealed chamber.

In embodiments, the anesthesia delivery system provides a chamber for the subject to be inserted in an imaging device or to serve as a surface for performing small animal surgery. A heating mechanism uses heated air to warm the bed and the small mammal. Embodiments also provide an anesthesia delivery mechanism placed in the vicinity of a nose cone, allowing the subject to receive the anesthesia localized near the mouth and nose. In embodiments, the bed also provides an exhaust system, allowing for a vacuum to remove the excess anesthesia from the chamber. This provides a convenient mechanism for the delivery and removal of anesthesia in only the nose cone area, thereby reducing the amount of fluid used in the subject imaging bed and sedating the subject during the imaging process or experimental surgery. This system also provides a table platform to increase throughput of animals during procedures. The table platform integrates into the nose cone apparatus to allow for sedation of up to four animals within the anesthesia delivery system.

Some illustrative aspects of the claimed subject matter are described herein in connection with the following description and the drawings. These aspects are indicative of various ways in which the subject matter may be practiced, all of which are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The systems, devices and methods may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, and simply illustrate the principles of the systems, devices and methods. The accompanying drawings illustrate only possible embodiments of the systems, devices and methods and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope.

FIG. 1. A perspective view of an embodiment of the anesthesia delivery system.

FIG. 2. A perspective view of an embodiment of the anesthesia delivery system featuring the table platform.

FIG. 3. A bottom perspective view of the small animal platform.

FIG. 4. A perspective view of an embodiment of the nose cone apparatus.

FIG. 5. A perspective view of an embodiment of the nose cone apparatus and accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the system and methods are described below with reference to illustrative embodiments. The references to illustrative embodiments below are not made to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Instead, illustrative embodiments are used to aid in the description of various aspects of the systems and methods. The description, made by way of example and reference to illustrative reference is not meant to being limiting as regards any aspect of the claimed subject matter.

Imaging beds described can be used for in vivo imaging of small mammals. The beds can be used with heat sources and negative pressure to deliver an anesthetic gas, to one or more subjects. As used herein, “fluid” refers to a gas, vapor, liquid, or aerosol. The terms “subject imaging bed,” “imaging bed,” and “bed” are used interchangeably. In embodiments, the described imaging beds are used to deliver an anesthetic gases or fluids, including but not limited to isoflurane, to sedate a subject or subjects for imaging.

When sedated, the subjects have a reduced capacity to regulate their body temperature, resulting in decreased blood flow and increased risk of hypothermia. Delivery to small animals is challenging because of: animal size, metabolic rate (fast rate of clearance), and high risk of hypothermia, moreover, anesthetic agents influence physiological parameters, further interfering with experimental results. Imaging studies often require an hour or more to complete, as such, delivery mechanism of anesthesia must be adapted to imaging techniques and length of procedure. Small animals can be enclosed in a chamber of the imaging bed to prevent excessive heat loss to the surrounding air and to minimize the likelihood of anesthetic gas reaching the atmosphere. However, resistive heating elements may introduce metal filaments interference with production of clear images for many scanning techniques.

Imaging and surgical procedures often require hours to complete, as a result the small animals must maintain steady sedation. To maintain sedation, anesthesia is continually delivered to the subject throughout the imaging procedure. To avoid over-sedation or suffocation, the chamber of the imaging bed can be connected to a vacuum line to draw out excess carbon dioxide and anesthesia gas as fresh air and additional anesthesia are delivered. During the imaging process excess anesthesia can build if not properly exhausted. This results in potentially exposing lab workers to the anesthesia when the subject is removed from the chamber of the small animal bed. Repeated exposure to the anesthesia may have adverse health effects both on the subject and the lab worker.

In most imaging systems, the functional imaging space is limited. There is little room around the imaging bed when inserted in the imaging system. Therefore, any obstructions of this space are undesirable. Embodiments of the subject imaging bed described herein utilize a compact and integrated nose cone and anesthetic delivery system to reduce the bulk and increase the amount of functional space of the imaging instrument that can be utilized. Additional embodiments of the imaging bed incorporate temperature control features that maintain the bed and subjects at a steady temperature and prevent hypothermia during imaging or surgical procedures. Embodiments of imaging beds disclosed herein maintain the body temperature of the subject avoiding the detrimental effects of heat loss in the imaging subject.

In FIG. 1, an embodiment of the small animal platform 10 includes a connecting port apparatus 12 and an anesthesia delivery chamber 14 in which a subject is placed for imaging. In the illustrated embodiment, the bed 10 includes a base 16 and a lid 18 that mates with the base 16 to form a chamber 14 to encapsulate the small animal and contain anesthetic gas. In embodiments, the subject rests on the base 16 with the nose of the small animal subject positioned within a nose cone apparatus 13 through which the anesthesia is delivered to the subject. The imaging bed lid 18 forms the top half of the small animal platform 10, enclosing the subject and anesthesia during imaging process. In embodiments the cover 18 rests in a groove 20 top surface of the base 16 to secure the lid 18 to the base 16. In embodiments, the lid 18, is shaped complementary to the small animal bed 10. The small animal bed 10 has a groove 20 receiving the lid 18. The groove 20 can be lined with a material such as rubber to interact with and receive the lid 18. The chamber 14 is opened to insert, remove or access to the small animal subject. In embodiments, the cover 18 and base 16 form a seal that prevents the anesthetic gas from escaping the chamber 14. In other embodiments, the base 16 can be used in small animal platform 10 without the cover 18, where anesthetic gas is retained in the chamber 14 via air flow and the use of vacuum 21 that prevents the anesthetic gas from dissipating into the lab atmosphere.

In embodiments, anesthesia fluid is pumped via an anesthesia connector port 22 through an integrated delivery channel 24 within the base 16, shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, to an anesthesia inlet 23 in the subject interface 12. As used herein, the term “channel” denotes a conduit or connector and is not necessarily tubular in nature. In embodiments, the anesthesia delivery channel provides fluid communication between the anesthesia connector port 22 and the anesthesia inlet 23, but is not necessarily implemented as a tube or pipe.

As shown in FIG. 2, in embodiments, the bed surface 16 is heated air, pumped into the base 16 via a second connector port 26 in the connecting port apparatus 12. The heated fluid or air and anesthesia are exhausted from the interior of the chamber through the exhaust channels in the bed 10. The fluid drawn through the exhaust channels 28, which can be a mixture of anesthesia, air or other fluid, is referred to herein as exhaust gas. The exhaust gas is drawn out through a third connector 30 by application of a vacuum to the connector 30.

In embodiments, the connectors 50 of the connector port apparatus 12 are quick-connect mechanisms that allow bed 10 to be quickly and easily connected to vacuum, heated air and anesthesia sources. These connectors 50 allow the bed 10 to be connected and disconnected air, vacuum, and anesthesia sources.

In embodiments, one or more of portions of the imaging bed 10 can be composed of materials transparent to the imaging technique of the imaging system. One or more portions of the imaging bed 10 can be made of plastics including, but not limited to, polyamides, polypropylene, polyethylene, and acrylics. Material for manufacture may be selected based on intended application.

In embodiments the small animal imaging system 10 includes integrated pathways or channels 24 through which anesthesia or other fluids can be delivered to, and exhausted from, the bed 10. The imaging bed 10 can contain cavities or channels 26 in the base 10. In some embodiments, the anesthesia channel 28 can subdivide into multiple pathways to evenly deliver anesthesia to the individual outlets 22. Other embodiments may include different configurations of the integrated channel 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment the base 16 includes an integrated heating outlet 28 incorporated into a substantial portion of the bed base 16. Heated air ravels via the integrated heating outlets 28 through the substantially hollow base 16, providing heat for the bed 10. The heated air maintains a stable temperature for the small animal subject during procedures. The bed base 10 features one or more heating outlets 28 extending along the parameter of the base 10. The flow of heated hair down the length of the bed base 16 is mediated by heating outlets 28 located along the parameter of the bed base 16.

In embodiments, the small animal bed 10 features one or more nose cone apparatus 13. In the pictured embodiment, the nose cone apparatus features an anesthesia inlet 23 that draws anesthesia from the anesthesia channel 25 into the anesthesia inlet 23. A vacuum may be applied to the exhaust outlet 30 to draw the anesthesia from the nose cone apparatus 13 through the exhaust outlet 30. Consequently, minimal amount of anesthesia will be exposed to lab workers performing experiments.

In an embodiment, the bed 10 has a connector port apparatus 12 featuring four connectors 50, one each for anesthesia, heat and an exhaust. As shown, these connectors 50 can be quick-connects that extend from the connector port apparatus 12. These connectors 50 engage three connector ports integrated in the connector port apparatus at one end of the bed 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, other embodiments may include different arrangements of the nose cone apparatus 13 seated on the base 16 of the bed 10. For example, the configuration of the nose cone apparatus 13 can accommodate a single small animal subjects. In other embodiments, the configuration of the nose cone apparatus 13 can accommodate two or more small animal subjects.

In embodiments, the nose cone apparatus 13 includes an accessory and means to receive the accessory device 34. The accessory device, a tooth bar 32 may extend across a cavity of the nose cone apparatus 13 to assist in securing small animal subjects head within the nose cone apparatus 13. This tooth bar 32 assists in maintaining the subject's muzzle proximate the nose cone apparatus 13 and ensuring delivery of anesthesia to the small animal subject. Securing the subject's teeth reduces the possibility of the subject sliding within the imaging bed 10 and receiving insufficient anesthesia. In some embodiments, the nose cone apparatus 13 includes ridges 36. These ridges 36 can provide a means for tethering the head of the small animal subject during experimental procedures.

In embodiments, the small animal bed 10 includes a plurality of cleats 38 in spaced relationship along each edge of the small animal bed 10. The cleats 38 provide mechanism to tether small animal subject during experimental procedure.

Now turning to the table platform 40, which is a removable adapter that can be used to convert a small animal bed 10 into a bed 10 capable of supporting more than one small subjects. The table platform 40 comprises at least two legs 42 at either corner of one end of the table platform. The small animal bed 10 has depressions 44 on the upper surface of the bed 10 to receive the legs 42. In embodiments, the table platform has a peg 46 extruded from one side of the platform to removable engage with the nose cone apparatus 12. In embodiments, the nose cone apparatus receives the peg in a groove 48 for fitting the peg, providing support to the table platform. The table platform 40 can be used to hold multiple subjects for simultaneous scanning. Imaging multiple subject at the same time reduces the overall time necessary to image a group of subjects, effectively increasing the throughput of the imaging procedure.

What has been described above includes examples of aspects of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the disclosed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has” or “having” or variations in form thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An anesthesia delivery system for supporting small mammals comprising: a platform having a planar surface on which a small mammal is positioned, a removably attached nose cone apparatus resting on said platform comprising an anesthesia outlet, a fluid distribution system in the base of said platform, said fluid distribution system an intake port, fluid conducting ports and a plurality of outlet openings dispersing air a long length of said platform, a connecting port apparatus, said connecting port apparatus having connecting ports, a removable attached planar table platform having at least one nose cone apparatus delivering anesthesia source.
 2. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 1, wherein said platform is substantially rectangular and planar, and has a first and second surface; the shape of said first and second surface being defined by a first and second edge, said first and second edge being parallel and of equal length; the shape of said first and second surface further being defined by a third and fourth edge, said third and fourth edge being perpendicular to said first and second edge, and said third and fourth edge being shorter than said first and second edge; said platform having a plurality of cleats in spaced relationship disposed along said first and second edge.
 3. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 1, wherein said platform is made of a transparent material.
 4. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 2, wherein said platform comprises a plurality of cleats in spaced relationship disposed along said first and second edge of said platform.
 5. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 1, wherein said nose cone apparatus comprises a tooth bar.
 6. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 2, wherein said air vent system comprises a plurality of vented openings along length of said first and second edge of said platform.
 7. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 1, wherein said platform has a hollow base.
 8. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 1, wherein a first port is integrated into said short end of said platform.
 9. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 8, wherein said first port is configured to receive a quick connect connector.
 10. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 1, wherein a second port is integrated into said short end of said platform.
 11. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 10, wherein said second port is configured to receive a quick connect connector.
 12. The anesthesia delivery system of claim of claim 1, wherein a third port is integrated into said short end of said platform.
 13. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 12, wherein said third port is configured to receive a quick connect connector.
 14. The anesthesia delivery system of claim of claim 1, wherein a fourth port is integrated into said short end of said platform.
 15. The anesthesia delivery system of claim of claim 14, wherein said fourth port is configured to receive a quick connect connector.
 16. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 1, wherein said table platform comprises at least 2 legs with one disposed at each corner of said table platform.
 17. The anesthesia delivery system of claim 1, wherein said platform table comprises shallow grooves disposed at said short end for receiving said nose cone apparatus.
 18. The anesthesia delivery system of claim of claim 1, further comprising a lid removably attached to said platform.
 19. The anesthesia delivery system of claim of claim 18, wherein said platform comprises a groove for receiving said lid.
 20. The anesthesia delivery system of claim of claim 19, wherein a rubber lining fills said groove engaging said lid. 